The district overseer has similar spiritual qualifications and background of experience. He travels from circuit to circuit, rendering service each week in connection with the circuit assemblies. He and his wife also work in the field ministry with the Witnesses in one of the congregations of the circuit he is visiting. He supervises the final preparation of the circuit assembly program and gives several talks during the assembly, including the public talk.

In many countries the traveling overseers travel by car or use public transportation. In other countries they may use a bicycle or even walk. The Society covers the transportation expenses of the traveling overseer and also provides him and his wife with a modest reimbursement for their personal needs. Usually the traveling overseer and his wife are provided with rooming accommodations and meals by members of each congregation.